Do not miss the July issue of VIZ Media's SHONEN JUMP magazine - available now featuring the debut of the serialization of the ULTIMO series

Originally announced to a packed house at a Press Conference at New York Comic Con in 2008, the serialization begins in the July issue of SHONEN JUMP magazine, ULTIMO represents a historic collaboration between comics legend Stan Lee, co-creator of many iconic superheroes including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and unconventional author/artist Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular multicultural adventure manga series SHAMAN KING, published in Japan by Shueisha and in North America by VIZ Media.

A press release is attached with all the details, I have also included the cover art.

Please feel free to let me know if you would like a copy of the magazine - or need additional information.

Erik Jansen

MediaLab

(714) 620-5017 / erik@medialab-pr.com

Press Release Is Attached And Also Follows Below:

VIZ MEDIA’S SHONEN JUMP MAGAZINE JULY ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE

FEATURING STAN LEE AND SHAMAN KING MANGA CREATOR HIROYUKI TAKEI’S

GROUNDBREAKING COLLABORATIVE PROJECT – ULTIMO

Running Action-Packed New Series Created By Two Legends Of Comics And Manga Begins With July Issue Of Monthly Manga Anthology

San Francisco, CA, JUNE 17, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the debut of the serialization of the ULTIMO series (KARAKURIDÔJI ULTIMO) in SHONEN JUMP magazine. Originally announced to a packed house at a Press Conference at New York Comic Con in 2008, the serialization begins in the July issue of SHONEN JUMP magazine, which is on sale now at retailers and newsstands nationwide.

ULTIMO represents a historic collaboration between comics legend Stan Lee, co-creator of many iconic superheroes including Spider-Man™, the Fantastic Four™, and the X-Men™, and Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular SHAMAN KING manga series, published in Japan by Shueisha and in North America by VIZ Media.

The ULTIMO back-story: High above Farmless City, citizens are stunned by the sudden appearance of two floating figures. Are they human boys, monolithic robots, or something much more strange? As the battle ensues between them, destruction and devastation falls on the hapless city. One figure is Vice, and seems to be as evil as his name implies. The other is Ultimo, intent on trying to stop Vice from wreaking more havoc. But who are Vice and Ultimo really? Where did they come from? Find out in the first chapter of ULTIMO!

“The addition of ULTIMO to SHONEN JUMP magazine marks this as a great time for both manga and comics, and we are very excited to be able to deliver this bold new story to fans every month,” says Grant Lowery, Editor-In-Chief of SHONEN JUMP. “The captivating character designs and action-packed story blend the best aspects of Western and Asian comic book traditions and will delight fans of both genres. We invite fans of both comics and manga to seize the opportunity to explore this groundbreaking new series!”

For over half a century, Stan Lee has been synonymous with superhero comics. In addition to co-creating countless memorable series and characters, including Spider-Man™, the Incredible Hulk™, and Daredevil™, he served as the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. Lee remains a hugely respected and dynamic figure in the entertainment industry and continues to develop a variety of film, television and video game properties.

Unconventional author/artist Hiroyuki Takei began his career by winning the coveted Hop Step Award (for new manga artists) and the Osamu Tezuka Award. After working as an assistant to famed artist Nobuhiro Watsuki (RUROUNI KENSHIN), Takei debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997 with Butsu Zone, an action series based on Buddhist mythology. His multicultural adventure manga series SHAMAN KING debuted in Japan in 1998 and has been adapted into a popular animated television series The SHAMAN KING manga series is published in North America by VIZ Media and to-date has sold more than 400,000 copies in the U.S.; for many years it was also serialized in English in VIZ Media’s SHONEN JUMP magazine.

Lee’s own company, POW! Entertainment (Pinksheets:POWN.PK), worked with Jump SQ. parent company Shueisha and with JEA and Dream Ranch to facilitate the development of ULTIMO.

For more information on ULTIMO, SHONEN JUMP and VIZ Media please visit www.shonenjump.com or www.viz.com.

About POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc.

POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc. (Pinksheets:POWN.PK), an advanced media and entertainment company, was founded by world-famous comic book and motion picture icon Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman, Esq. POW!’s principals have extensive backgrounds in the entertainment industry encompassing the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW!, capitalizing on this combined expertise, specializes in franchises for the entertainment industry, including animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, video games, merchandising and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with other individuals and entities of entertainment’s top echelon, including studios and networks, in the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! character franchises.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

San Francisco’s newest pop culture attraction welcomes four edgy Japanese fashion labels to – NEW PEOPLE – opening August 15th in the city’s historic Japantown at 1746 Post Street. A web site with full details is available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com

NEW PEOPLE brings creations from a new vanguard of Japanese designers inspired by everything from anime and science fiction to punk rock and Gothic Horror to Victorian England and 18th Century France.

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright leads the fashion scene as the ultimate “Lolita” brand, which is a modern interpretation of classic Victorian and Rococo apparel.

Black Peace Now has become one of the top rock and roll fashion brands for punk/gothic crossover in Japan.

6%DOKIDOKI presents a vivid, fabulously strange and colorful boutique that continues the label’s penchant for avant-garde and kitsch style that’s the essence of Harajuku girl culture.

A press release with details on each of these exciting new labels making their U.S. debut and artwork for each label is also attached.

NEW PEOPLE is a striking 20,000 square foot structure that epitomizes the latest examples Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques and ongoing monthly events.

The project, three and a half years in the making, celebrates its Grand Opening August.15th!

Please contact me for more information on these labels and the NEW PEOPLE opening gala that will be an amazing and memorable event!

Erik Jansen

MediaLab

(714) 620-5017 / erik@medialab-pr.com

Press Release Is Attached And Also Follows Below:

FIRST TIME EVER IN THE U.S. AVANT GARDE JAPANESE STREET FASHION LABELS OPEN BOUTIQUES AT NEW PEOPLE IN SAN FRANCISCO THIS SUMMER

San Francisco, CA, June 9, 2009 – VIZ Pictures, a Japanese live-action film distributor and producer of the J-Pop Center Project, welcomes four edgy fashion labels to San Francisco’s newest permanent Japanese pop culture attraction – NEW PEOPLE – opening August 15th in the city’s historic Japantown.

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright and Black Peace Now will open their first U.S. boutiques at NEW PEOPLE on the second floor of the 20,000 square foot structure located at 1746 Post Street. In addition to the permanent attractions, a part of the short-term rotating retail program will include 6%DOKIDOKI and SOU • SOU.

Harajuku is a district of Tokyo which holds the attention of top designers as a trend-setters’ Mecca of the world, and birthplace to many urban fashion sub-genres such as Cyberpunk, Gothic Lolita, Visual Kei and anime-inspired Cosplay. NEW PEOPLE brings creations from a new vanguard of Japanese designers inspired by everything from anime and science fiction to punk rock and Gothic Horror to Victorian England and 18th Century France.

“Fashion is the latest medium to play a significant role in the ongoing evolution of Japanese popular culture that has captivated the world,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of VIZ Media as well as the J-Pop Center Project. “Anime, manga and Japanese film are internationally known and loved. With NEW PEOPLE, we celebrate all of those genres and we’ll also transcend them by giving the U.S. a look at entirely new sides of contents from Japan including these innovators of Harajuku fashion.”

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright leads the fashion scene as the ultimate “Lolita” brand, which is a modern interpretation of classic Victorian and Rococo apparel. BABY showcases its absolutely adorable clothing obsessed with frills, ribbons and colorful prints, along with its more androgynous and mystic line of attire, ALICE and the PIRATES. Baby, The Stars Shine Bright apparel was heavily featured in the critically acclaimed film Kamikaze Girls (also available on DVD from VIZ Pictures), which was based on the best-selling novel by Novala Takemoto. The label also has a store in Paris and makes its U.S. debut at NEW PEOPLE.

“There was no such thing as ‘Lolita-inspired fashion’ when I started this company,” says Fumiyo Isobe, Co-Founder and Designer of Baby, The Stars Shine Bright. “I like cute things like frill, lace, round collars, and delicate colors with a very princess-like look. Historical decorative styles like Rococo or Victorian influence my designs as well as music and fashion from the 70s and 80s and shojo manga (comics for girls).”

Black Peace Now has become one of the top rock and roll fashion brands for punk/gothic crossover in Japan. The designs incorporate punk and gothic themes to evoke powerful and exquisite silhouettes that can range from mild to truly wild. The company’s second line, Peace Now, offers a more casual, everyday look that still retains a cute, edgy style. Widely known, worn and celebrated in Japan, clothing by Black Peace Now has appeared in numerous music videos, films and TV dramas.

“We’re thrilled to have a new U.S. home-base in San Francisco,” says Kiyoshi Igai, a founder and CEO of Black Peace Now. “We look forward to meeting our U.S. customers, hearing their feedback on our designs, and seeing how Japanese pop culture will influence customers and also how they will share their inspirations with us.”

6%DOKIDOKI welcomes NEW PEOPLE visitors to a vivid, fabulously strange and colorful boutique that continues the label’s penchant for avant-garde and kitsch style and brings genuine Harajuku girl culture to the United States for the first time. 6%DOKIDOKI is a Technicolor array of crazy fun, crazy colors and bright designs that invites shoppers to join their happy-punk-rebellion

Sebastian Masuda, 6%DOKIDOKI’s Founder and Designer, looks forward to his two-month endeavor. “I’m very excited to see how this culture will be perceived, infused, and accepted in the US. This is also a great opportunity to communicate with American teens and expand this fashion movement and create new culture.

SOU • SOU from Kyoto introduces Japanese classic “Tabi” work shoes with vibrant graphic patterns. SOU • SOU’s combination of form-fitting soles and striking modern looks has a huge following, from dancers to the sneaker-obsessed. While new and fun, each shoe is crafted by hand, preserving the best traditional techniques.

NEW PEOPLE is a 20,000 square foot contemporary building located at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco’s Japantown (one of only three remaining in the country), an area steeped in more than a century of history. The structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that invokes a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination for the 21st Century.

A dedicated NEW PEOPLE web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.:

Based in San Francisco, California, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan's point of view to serve the manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include DEATH NOTE, NANA, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, LINDA LINDA LINDA, PING PONG, THE TASTE OF TEA, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO and others. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series.

San Francisco, CA, JUNE 4, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, is previewing nine new manga series covering a variety of genres set to debut throughout the Third Quarter of 2009.

The upcoming releases feature titles that will appeal to a wide range of readers ranging from mature adult fans to adolescents, tweens and kids. New romantic debuts from the popular SHOJO BEAT imprint include Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, and BLACK BIRD, while new science fiction/fantasy manga releases will feature Ôoku: THE INNER CHAMBERS, Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee, WāqWāq and CHILDREN OF THE SEA. A special trio of all-ages titles includes CHOCO MIMI, the first VIZ Kids manga series aimed specifically at young female readers, fun reptilian adventures with DINOSAUR KING, and the official film comic from the forthcoming Studio Ghibli film, PONYO, set to debut later this summer from famed director Hayao Miyazaki.

In Edo period Japan, a strange new disease called the Redface Pox has begun to prey on the country’s men. Within eighty years of the first outbreak, the male population has fallen to a quarter of the total female population. Women have taken on all the roles traditionally granted to men, even that of the Shogun. The men, precious providers of life, are carefully protected, and the most beautiful of the men are sent to serve in the Shogun’s Inner Chambers.

Ôoku: THE INNER CHAMBERS was created by Fumi Yoshinaga and won a special prize at the Japanese Association of Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy’s 5th Sense of Gender Awards in 2005. Yoshinaga has won numerous other prestigious awards for her work, including the 2002 Kodansha Manga Award for her series ANTIQUE BAKERY and the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award for Ôoku. She was also was nominated for the 11th and a winner of the 12th Osamu Tezuka Award also for Ôoku, and also nominated as Best Writer/Artist for the 2008 Eisner Awards.

Announced at 2009 Book Expo last week, ÔOKU: THE INNER CHAMBERS was chosen as one of the Hot Fall Graphic Novels for Libraries.

children of the sea, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $14.99 US / $17.50 CAN · Available July 21

When Ruka was young, she once saw a ghost in the water at the aquarium where her dad works. Now she feels inexplicably drawn toward the aquarium and the two mysterious boys she meets there, Umi and Sora, who both have the ability to breathe underwater. They were raised by dugongs and hear the same strange calls from the sea that she does. Ruka’s dad and the other adults who work at the aquarium are only distantly aware of what the children are experiencing as they get caught up in the mystery of the worldwide disappearance of the ocean’s fish.

CHILDREN OF THE SEA was created by award-winning artist Daisuke Igarashi. His series, WITCHES received the Excellence Prize at the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival while LITTLE FOREST was nominated for the 2005 Ozamu Tezuka Cultural Award. CHILDREN OF THE SEA is currently serialized in IKKI magazine, which has established itself as the home of some of the most innovative, bold, and compelling series in the world of contemporary manga. VIZ Media’s VIZ Signature imprint and IKKI magazine have partnered to bring free previews of CHILDREN OF THE SEA and other stories to North American fans via a new web site at www.sigikki.com.

Living in constant fear of attack from machines, mankind depends on the cyborg Protector corps known as the Guardians to keep them from harm as they await the arrival of the Kami, a godlike savior with mythical red blood. One day, Shio, who is the son of a Guardian, finds a red-blooded girl! Could she be the Kami they've been waiting for?

WāqWāq is a new science fiction series by Ryu Fujisaki, who also created the mythology-based manga series HOSHIN ENGI. WāqWāq and HOSHIN ENGI both originally debuted in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine and Fujisaki has also been nominated for the prestigious Osamu Tezuka Manga Award.

Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $7.95 US / $9.50 CAN · Available September 1

In Amberground, a dangerous terrain where a man-made star casts a permanent twilight, young Lag Seeing aspires to become a Letter Bee, a postman entrusted to deliver the hearts of people separated from the ones they love.

Tegami Bachi: THE LETTER BEE features detailed and lush artwork by creator Hiroyuki Asada that brings to life a fantastic alternate world filled with innovative “steampunk” technology and imagery. The new series will further be highlighted in VIZ Media’s SHONEN JUMP magazine this summer.

Announced at 2009 Book Expo last week, TEGAMI BACHI: LETTER BEE was recently chosen as one of the Hot Fall Graphic Novels for Libraries.

New SHOJO BEAT Titles Include:

Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available August 4

Sawako Kuronuma is the perfect heroine – for a horror movie! With her jet-black hair, sinister smile and silent demeanor, she’s often mistaken for the haunting movie character Sadako. But behind her scary façade is a very misunderstood teenager. Too shy to fit in, all she wants to do is make some friends. But when the most popular boy in class befriends her, she's sure to make more than just that--she's about to make some enemies too!

KIMI NI TODOKE: FROM ME TO YOU was created by Karuho Shiina who was born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan. Though KIMI NI TODOKE is only her second series following many one-shot stories, it has already racked up accolades from various "Best Manga of the Year" lists. Winner of the 2008 Kodansha Manga Award for the shojo category, KIMI NI TODOKE also placed fifth in the first-ever Manga Taisho (Cartoon Grand Prize) contest in 2008. An animated series is also in production in Japan. Bonus stickers are included in limited editions of Vol. 1.

Announced at 2009 Book Expo last week, KIMI NI TODOKE: FROM ME TO YOU was recently chosen as one of the Hot Fall Graphic Novels for Libraries.

BLACK BIRD, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available August 4

There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, but she wants nothing to do with magical realms and just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But all that changes one day when Misao is attacked by a demon. Her childhood friend Kyo suddenly returns to save her and tend to her cuts – with his tongue! It turns out Misao is the bride of prophecy, whose blood gives power to the demon clan who claims her. But most demons want to keep her power for themselves – by eating her! Now Misao is just trying to stay alive and trying to decide if she likes it when Kyo licks her wounds.

BLACK BIRD, winner of the Shogakukan Manga Award (2009) for Shojo, is the latest shojo series from Kanoko Sakurakoji. Sakurakoji’s debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, was serialized in Bessatsu Shojo Comic magazine (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000. Her other shojo series, BACKSTAGE PRINCE, is also published domestically by VIZ Media.

New STUDIO GHIBLI Release:

PONYO FILM COMIC, Vols. 1-2 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $9.99 US / $11.50 CAN · Available August 4 ·

Vols. 3-4 Available September 1

From the Academy Award®-winning director and world-renowned Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki comes PONYO, a story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” Already a box-office success in Japan, the story of a young and overeager goldfish named Ponyo (voiced by NOAH CYRUS) and her quest to become human features an outstanding roster of voice talent, including CATE BLANCHETT, MATT DAMON, TINA FEY, CLORIS LEACHMAN, LIAM NEESON, LILY TOMLIN, BETTY WHITE and FRANKIE JONAS as Sosuke, a young boy who befriends Ponyo.

The film from Walt Disney Studios will release on August 14, 2009. The official 4-volume film comics of PONYO re-tells the film’s story with vivid full-color frames.

New VIZ Kids Titles Include:

CHOCOMIMI, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.50 CAN · Available July 7

Meet Choco and Mimi, best friends in eighth grade. Choco is serious and reliable, while Mimi is silly and spoiled rotten--but they both have a flair for fashion! A new boy transfers into the girls' class, and he just might be Choco's type! Will a crush damage the girls' friendship?! Or will Mimi's crazy antics scare him away?

DINOSAUR KING, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.99 CAN · Available September 1

Max Taylor is obsessed with dinosaurs. He knows his Tapejara from his Pteradon and can find fossils better than a trained paleontologist. When he discovers a stone tablet that transports him to the age of dinosaurs, it’s a dream come true—until it becomes a nightmare. An evil genius named Dr. Z has enslaved the dinosaurs so he can use their hidden powers to take over the world! Now Max has to defeat Dr. Z and his Alpha Gang to save the ancient beasts and life as we know it.

DINOSAUR KING is the official manga tie-in for the top rated animated series seen on 4KIDS TV. The DINOSAUR KING property captivates millions of kids across North America and has spawned a variety of related video games and trading cards.

For a limited time Volume 1 will include an Upper Deck Dinosaur King trading card.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Johannes Krauser II Is The Outrageous Demonic Front Man Of The Heaviest Death Metal Band In Japan But Off Stage He’s A Pop Music-Listening Wimp – Can He Ever Reconcile His Two Personas?

San Francisco, CA, MAY 26, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will delight rock and roll and manga fans nationwide with the debut of DETROIT METAL CITY on June 9th. The new manga series is rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences and carries an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $15.00 CAN. The first print run of volume one also contains limited edition tattoos.

Prepare to have your mortal soul devoured by the demonic Johannes Krauser II, front man for Detroit Metal City, the most outrageous death metal band on the Japanese indie rock scene! Soichi Negishi dreamed of moving to Tokyo and starting a bubblegum pop band, but now he’s fronting the most scandalous and demented death metal band in Japanese rock! Deep down, Soichi still dreams of acoustic guitars and trips to Paris, but when the makeup comes on and he transforms into his alter ego, Krauser II, not even the denizens of hell are safe from his soul-devouring death metal sound. Can Soichi reconcile his sensitive inner yearnings with his wild on-stage persona – the vilest hard rocker in Japanese (and possibly world) history?

DETROIT METAL CITY takes the zany rock antics inspired by films like Spinal Tap to hilarious new extremes in this witty series created by Kiminori Wakasugi. First appearing in the pages of Japan’s Young Animal manga magazine, the manga quickly became a national sensation. The series has already sold more than 2 million copies in Japan. The DETROIT METAL CITY animated counterpart has also gained a major following across North America. A live action version of the film was recently released in Japan featuring cameos by Gene Simmons (KISS) and Marty Friedman (Megadeth).

“The hilarious on- and off-stage antics of Soichi Negishi and his swaggering alter ego Johannes Krauser II promises to make DETROIT METAL CITY the most over-the-top, profane, and funniest hard rock manga satire to ever hit North American shores.” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Marketing for VIZ Media. “We look forward to it resonating not only with manga readers but also with music fans who will relish this eccentric heavy metal adventure.”

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

IKKI is a monthly magazine published in Japan that has established itself as the home of some of the most innovative, bold, and compelling series in the world of contemporary manga. Since its launch in 2003 IKKI has built a catalog of titles notable for its diversity. From action to comedy to drama, from slice-of-life stories to surrealist fantasies, the one common thing these works share is an uncommon emphasis on creative quality and on pushing the boundaries of the norm.

In partnership with VIZ Media and its “VIZ Signature” line of graphic novels, IKKI is bringing the works of some of its top creators to the English-language audience via a groundbreaking online monthly manga magazine.

The first series featured in this launch is CHILDREN OF THE SEA by Daisuke Igarashi. Each month, new chapters will be offered online in their entirety, for free. After the completion of the online serialization of the first volume, CHILDREN OF THE SEA volume one will become available as a VIZ Signature graphic novel.

The list of future series to be serialized includes:

BOKURANO: OURS, by Mohiro Kitoh

HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES, by Natsume Ono

DOROHEDORO, by Q Hayashida

I'LL GIVE IT MY ALL...TOMORROW, by Shunju Aono

Also, each month, new content—such as creator interviews, feature articles, news, and giveaways—will be posted on the site.

About CHILDREN OF THE SEA by Daisuke Igarashi:

When Ruka was younger, she saw a ghost in the water at the aquarium where her dad works. Now she feels drawn toward the aquarium and the two mysterious boys she meets there, Umi and Sora. They were raised by dugongs and hear the same strange calls from the sea as she does.

Ruka's dad and the other adults who work at the aquarium are only distantly aware of what the children are experiencing as they get caught up in the mystery of the worldwide disappearance of the oceans' fish.

Daisuke Igarashi is an award-winning manga creator who began his career in 1993. His series Majo received the Excellence Prize at the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival and was nominated for the Fauve d’Or Best Comic Book Prize at the 2007 Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême. Little Forest was nominated for the 2006 Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize. His current series Children of the Sea is the winner of the 38th Japan Cartoonist Award and runs in IKKI magazine.

www.sigikki.com HURRY – GO CHECK IT OUT NOW!!!

And be sure to come back for updates and to check out the new series coming soon!

As always please feel free to contact me directly with any questions, I have also attached some artwork of the home page here for you to include with your story. If you need additional artwork please let me know. Please feel free to also post this new to your interested readers!

Painstakingly Researched And Written By The Vice Governor Of Tokyo Examines How Japanese Popular Literature Shaped Public Opinion And Helped Move The Country Into The Modern Era

San Francisco, CA, May 18, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has published a notable nonfiction book that presents an unconventional view of Japanese-U.S. relations. The Century of the Black Ships is available now and was written by one of Japan’s most preeminent academics, Naoki Inose, who is also current Vice Governor of Tokyo. The Century of the Black Ships carries an MSRP of $27.99 U.S. / $32.00 CAN.

Meticulously researched, the new book offers insights from a variety of Japanese writers that gave voice to the anxieties of a nation headed towards war. Not just any war, but one that would eventually be fought against the United States. Beginning when U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry first sailed into Tokyo Bay with his fleet of so-called “Black Ships” in 1853 and demanded Japan open itself to the West, Japanese novelists and military analysts, along with select foreign counterparts, wrote extensively of the coming conflict, creating a massive body of popular works through which Japan would debate its own passage, however violently, into the modern, globalized era. Many of these opinions have rarely been read outside Japan until now.

“Naoki Inose is one of Japan’s most acclaimed nonfiction writers and we look forward to those interested in the Second World War, Japan-U.S. relations, and Asian geo-politics discovering this insightful new edition that presents a new view of the events that led to the greatest military conflict in modern history,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media.

Naoki Inose was awarded the prestigious Ōya Prize for nonfiction in 1987 for his book about the Emperor’s image, The Mikado’s Portrait. Writing on a wide range of topics ranging from literature to the economy, Inose’s meticulously researched works have explored a variety of themes related to Japan’s quest to enter the modern age. In 1996, he won the Bungei Shunju Reader’s Prize for his book, A Study of Japan, a richly documented examination of Japan’s public corporations that urged the need for structural reforms.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English-speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

New York, NY – June 23, 2009 – Starz Digital Media, an operating division of Starz Media, today announced the launch of ABE Toons (www.abetoons.com), a new online video site for top independent animators and a consumer destination for animated shorts. In celebration of the launch, the new site is announcing the “ABE Toons Talent Search,” seeking the next great animator. The ABE Toons Talent Search contest will award the grand prize winner $4,000 in cash and the opportunity to direct the production of an animated series based upon the grand prize-winning entry and with a series production value of up to $25,000. Cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 will be awarded to the top two runners-up respectively, with an additional $500 awarded to the most popular video (based on number of views).

Artists whose videos are currently featured on ABEToons.com include Tad Stones, director of the “Hellboy Animated” series and a longtime animation veteran with stints at Disney and Universal Cartoon Studios; Jennifer Shiman, creator and producer/animator for the popular and award-winning “Starz Bunnies” (“30-Second Bunnies Theater”) videos; and Sweeney & Laney, head writers on “Tripping the Rift,” a production of Starz Media’s Film Roman.

Videos on ABEToons.com are classified by genre, with featured channels including “American Manga,” “Comic Classics,” “Sick & Twisted,” “The Underground” and “Wisecrackers.”

Starz Digital Media will continue to add new content to the site in the months ahead, including video from the ABE Toons Talent Search winners. The Talent Search runs through August 31, 2009, with contest entries submitted online at ABEToons.com. Videos should be two to six minutes in length and follow guidelines detailed on the contest entry page. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity for the entry to be distributed across other sites with which Starz Digital Media partners.

“ABE Toons is a natural addition to Starz Media’s growing number of digital initiatives,” said Marc DeBevoise, senior vice president, digital media, business development and strategy for Starz Media. “Combined with our other ad-supported broadband channels built around large niches, including Manga.com and StarzBunnies.com, we are looking to take advantage of our large library across multiple media platforms and genres with professionally produced content – some of which will come from yet-to-be-discovered and alternative talent submitting entries in our search for the next animation star.”

The contest grand prize winner will also have the opportunity to work with some of the top animation producers in the industry via Starz Digital Media’s relationship with Starz Media’s two animation studios, Film Roman and Starz Animation Toronto. Film Roman’s work includes “The Simpsons,” “The Goode Family” and two new series for Marvel Entertainment, as well as Starz Media’s “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!,” an animated preschool series that airs on Nick Jr. in the U.S. and in more than 50 other markets around the world. Starz Animation Toronto recently completed Focus Features’ upcoming Tim Burton-produced movie 9 and is currently animating two more major theatrical features – including Gnomeo & Juliet, for Miramax Films and Elton John’s Rocket Pictures – as well as a broadcast network primetime holiday special.

About Starz Digital MediaStarz Digital Media, an operating division of Starz Media, LLC, is responsible for all digital and on-demand distribution of library content from Overture Films, Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Originals from Starz Entertainment, and Manga Entertainment. Through a range of distribution and marketing partnerships with multichannel video providers, Internet distributors and wireless operators worldwide, Starz Digital Media makes its content available under numerous business models including download-to-own/electronic sell-through, video-on-demand, pay-per-view, subscription video-on-demand and ad-supported streaming. The division also programs and supports numerous ad-supported broadband channels and develops games and gaming-related content from many of its properties for distribution worldwide.

About Starz MediaStarz Media, LLC, is a programming production and distribution company operating worldwide. It includes the Film Roman, Anchor Bay Entertainment and Manga Entertainment brands. Its units create animated and live-action programming – including theatrical films – and programming created under contract for other media companies. It distributes that programming, and programming acquired from outside producers, through home video retailers, theaters, broadcasters, ad-supported and premium television channels, and Internet and wireless video distributors in the U.S. and internationally. Starz Media (www.starzmedia.com) is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Capital Group.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

“Depending on how a person lives their last day, the ikigami can be a death sentence, or an invitation to really live.”

San Francisco, CA, May 14, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, sends a chill down the spines of readers this month with the North American debut of Motoro Mase’s harrowing and suspenseful manga series – IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT – available now! IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT is rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences and carries an MSRP of $12.99 US / $15.00 CAN.

In a futuristic dystopian Japan there is new slant on crime deterrence with a sinister policy with an ironic twist. Each day a randomly-selected person is put to death to remind the population of the very value of life. Those who are condemned to die receive an official government notice the day before, called an ikigami, alerting them of impending doom in 24 hours.

“Dear Citizen: You’ve no doubt noticed that the world is a troubled place. People are apathetic, lazy, unmotivated. You’ve probably asked yourself: Why isn’t anything being done to stop this systematic decline? Well, you’ll be happy to know that measures have been taken. We, your government, have decided society needs a wake-up call. So beginning today, we will randomly select a different citizen who will be killed within 24 hours of notification. We believe this will help remind all people how precious life is, and how important it is to be productive, active members of society… CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT…TO DIE IN 24 HOURS!”

“IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT presents a stark vision of the future echoed in George Orwell’s 1984 and in films such as The Matrix and Soylent Green. It asks tough questions about the real value of life, crime and deterrence and what’s best for the majority,” says Joel Enos, Senior Editor, VIZ Media. “Readers will undoubtedly reflect upon their own lives and what they hold dear as they witness how each of the persons that receive an ikigami react to their sentence. Is there an urge to retaliate and become angry or simply accept one’s fate for the betterment of larger society? Readers will surely ponder their own answers in this intense new series.”

IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT originally debuted in Young Sunday and the manga has sold more than one million copies in Japan. Its popularity further inspired a live-action film that was released in 2008 in Japan starring the popular young actor, Shota Matsuda. Acclaimed artist and manga creator, Motoro Mase was also nominated for Shogakukan’s 43rd Grand Prize for best comic by a new artist.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Today, we introduce the popular Full Metal Alchemist 2 Brotherhood to the Hulu service. Episodes of Full Metal Alchemist 2 Brotherhood will stream on Hulu two weeks after they air in Japan. You can also find a number of other Anime shows on Hulu including current episodes of Naruto Shippuden, Naruto, Bleach and Death Note to name a few.

Please let me know if you have any questions and make sure to visit www.hulu.com/anime for a more in-depth look at Hulu?s Anime Channel. Also, for the latest updates on everything Hulu, follow us at www.twitter.com/hulu_headlines. Enjoy!

San Francisco, CA, April 30, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will participate in the annual 2009 Free Comic Book Day – Saturday, May 2nd – with a special 32-page SHONEN JUMP sampler (rated ‘T’ for Teens) featuring a chapter of Ultimo, one of the newest serialized manga adventures in the best-selling monthly manga anthology. Free Comic Book Day is held annually on the first Saturday in May when thousands of comic book stores, publishers and retailers give away select comic titles for free. The event is designed to reach out to those not yet familiar with comics and manga and also to preview exciting new titles to existing fans.

Ultimo is the historic collaboration between comic book legend Stan Lee, creator of many iconic superheroes, including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular Shaman King manga series. The new series, which is serialized in SHONEN JUMP, represents a unique East-meets-West partnership between a creative titan of the manga genre with the man who is synonymous with superhero comics. Also included in the Sampler is a special look at every single SHONEN JUMP manga series, an Ultimo pinup (of a character that may look familiar to Stan Lee fans), and an insightful interview with both Stan Lee and Hiroyuki Takei.

“We’re very pleased to announce SHONEN JUMP's participation in Free Comic Book Day,” says Grant Lowery, Editor-In-Chief, SHONEN JUMP Magazine. “SHONEN JUMP is the nation’s top selling manga anthology combining chapters from some of the most popular action manga in the world with informative game, entertainment and cultural editorial, creating a unique destination for readers looking to broaden their shonen experience. Our special Sampler for the 2009 Free Comic Book Day will interest both superhero fans and readers of Western comics as well as manga fans and also those brand new to the comic book genre. We invite everyone to visit their local participating comic book shop or retailer on Saturday to pick up this special copy!”

For more information on SHONEN JUMP please visit www.shonenjump.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

San Francisco, CA, JULY 29, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced a diverse collection of new animated and live-action titles scheduled for release throughout the Second Quarter of 2009.

The new releases include DEATH NOTE RELIGHT: VISIONS OF A GOD, which retells the groundbreaking DEATH NOTE psychological crime drama from an entirely new perspective. Also set for release is the concluding DVD Box Set of the DEATH NOTE animated series. New BLEACH episodic and NARUTO box set editions are also scheduled for release, along with the next Box Set compilation of HUNTER X HUNTER. INUYASHA fans will delight in the debut of the final Season 7 Box Set edition containing the series’ cliffhanger finale, while younger fans can look forward to four new Pokémon DVDs that highlight their favorite characters.

Many of these releases are also available as Special Editions featuring collectible figurines. In the Live Action realm, VIZ Pictures will debut the live-action comedy/drama HAPPILY EVER AFTER. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

New DEATH NOTE Releases Include:

DEATH NOTE RELIGHT: VISIONS OF A GOD · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 23

Light and L have battled to the bitter end over the Death Note — but what does the DEATH NOTE saga look like from Ryuk’s point of view? When rogue shinigami Ryuk deliberately drops his Death Note in the human world out of boredom, he has no idea how far the human who picks it up will take his newfound power. With the Death Note in hand, brilliant high school student Light Yagami vows to rid the world of evil, and when criminals begin dropping dead one by one, genius detective L steps in to track down the elusive killer known as Kira. An epic battle of wits pitting one brilliant mind against another unfolds — with the very future of humanity at stake! Ryuk’s not bored anymore!

In the concluding DVD Box Set of this edgy crime thriller, Light Yagami is close to creating a world in which he holds ultimate authority over right and wrong through the power of the Death Note. But many obstacles remain, including a second Death Note user who has his own nefarious goals, and the two brilliant protégés of L, the genius detective who once vowed to expose the identity of the Death Note’s owner. Light is confident that he can prevail, but as the surviving players in the game converge for a final showdown, whose name will be the last one written in the Death Note? This is the final installment in the series, covering the last 17 episodes. A special bonus disc also includes 90 minutes of extra content.

Naruto summons a couple of old amphibious pals – Gamakichi and Gamatatsu – to help him solve a mystery surrounding a mysterious Cursed Warrior. Back at home, there's nothing more motivating for Choji and Naruto than a bowl of steaming hot Ichiraku ramen, and they're really going to have to sing for their supper when the owner's daughter is kidnapped! Can they get her back and save the restaurant's secret recipes in time for dinner? Then, Anko must face the darkness in her past when she's called to lead a mission to a place she once visited with her former sensei, Orochimaru! Will facing the truth save the mission – or break her forever? Special Edition Box Set features 14 episodes on 3 discs and includes a collectible Mininja figurine of Kakashi.

The ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village are summoned on a new mission to the Land of Stars, where a meteorite with incredible powers has been stolen! Naruto and the others begin to suspect it was an inside job when they learn that the ninja who stole the star used a special ninjutsu known only to the Star Village. Then, Choji, Hinata and Naruto set out for the Land of Greens to protect a group of merchants, one of whom turns out to be a princess! When Hinata is threatened by an evil ninja to reveal the princess's whereabouts or Naruto will be hurt, will she choose to save a princess or the boy she loves? Special Edition Box Set features 14 episodes on 3 discs and includes a collectible Mininja figurine of Neji.

The latest BLEACH edition sees Ichigo and friends finally resuming their regular lives at home and school after their adventures in the Soul Society. But strange disappearances keep occurring and no culprit is in sight. Something strange has followed them home and it will put their faith and trust in each other to the test. Single Disc Edition features 4 original uncut episodes.

A powerful new enemy has appeared in Karakura Town. Known as Bounts, these creatures literally suck the souls from humans. Rukia, Yoruichi and Soi Fon are sent from the Soul Society to investigate, and Urahara enlists the help of three mod souls to assist Ichigo and friends in preventing the deadly attacks. Single Disc Edition features 4 original and uncut episodes.

The second of four complete DVD box sets of the HUNTER X HUNTER action/adventure fantasy series from Yoshihiro Togashi the creator of YUYU HAKUSHO. Gon and his friends have passed the first two stages of the Hunter Exam, but they still have three more grueling phases to complete. In the latest episodes, the hopeful candidates must escape the maze-like Trick Tower and survive a free-for-all on an isolated island before they can battle it out in the final tournament. As the wild adventures with treasure hunting, magical beasts, and bounty hunters continue, will Gon and his friends prove their worth and earn the right to call themselves Hunters? Find out in this new Box Set that features 15 episodes on 3 discs.

New INUYASHA Releases Include:

INUYASHA Season 7 DVD Box Set Special Edition · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $119.89 US / $169.99 CAN · Available April 28

This set is the final installment of the legendary INUYASHA series inspired by Rumiko Takahashi’s smash-hit manga series. The story of the priestess Kikyo and half-demon Inuyasha ended in tragedy. As the series reaches its exciting finale, will Inuyasha and Kagome's story have a happier ending? Each battle draws the group closer to their ultimate goal – the border of the afterlife and the final shard of the sacred Shikon Jewel. But the last stage of the journey is the most difficult of all. In their final battle with Naraku, will the bond between Kagome and Inuyasha prove strong enough to vanquish him at last? The Box Set features 21 episodes on 4 discs. Special Edition also includes a collectible figure of Inuyasha wielding his powerful Tetsusaiga sword.

Following the Pokémon 10th Anniversary celebration set, the Pokémon All Stars series consist of DVD releases commemorating top Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a single character with three all-time favorite episodes featuring their adventures. Collect them all!

Volume 19 Includes 3 Torchic episodes:

1. In The Knicker Of Time

2. Having A Wailord Of A Time

3. A Shroomish Skirmish

Volume 20 Includes 3 Onix episodes:

1. Showdown In Pewter City

2. To Master The Onixpected

3. Hooked On Onix

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 1: Grass · Rated 'A' for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 each US / $14.99 each CAN · Available July 28

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 2: Fire · Rated 'A' for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 each US / $14.99 each CAN · Available July 28

Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes. Collect them all!

Volume 1 Includes 3 Grass-type episodes:

1. Grass Hysteria!

2. The Grass Root

3. Now That’s Flower Power!

Volume 2 Includes 3 Fire-type episodes:

1. The Flame Pokémon-athon!

2. Good ‘Quil Hunting

3. All Torkoal, No Play

New VIZ Pictures Releases Include:

HAPPILY EVER AFTER · NOT RATED · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 12

In this new live-action release, Yukie Morita (Miki Nakatani) works hard to make ends meet while her husband Isao (Hiroshi Abe) hangs around all day gambling away their savings and getting into trouble. Isao’s uncontrollable temper often results in the dinner table getting overturned and their meal on the floor. Everyone advises Yukie to leave Isao, but their unconditional love keeps them together through happiness and through hard times.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER was a box-office hit in Japan and based on a best-selling manga. This bittersweet comedy combines a visually-striking cinematography, a heartwarming storyline with love and friendship and a top cast of actors and will be enjoyed by all members of the family.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

JAPAN’S WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY MAGAZINE AND VIZ MEDIA TRANSPORT READERS TO THE RUMIC WORLD WITH THE SIMULTANEOUS EAST-WEST DEBUT OF RUMIKO TAKAHASHI’S NEWEST MANGA SERIES RIN-NE

Visit The Official Rumiko Takahashi English Language Web Site - TheRumicWorld.com On April 22nd For The Latest Work From One Of The Greatest Creative Forces In Manga

San Francisco, CA, Date April 15th, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announces the debut of a new manga series from legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi. The series, titled RIN-NE, will be launching simultaneously April 22nd exclusively in Japan in WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY magazine and online for North American audiences on www.TheRumicWorld.com, the brand new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information. Through this unprecedented collaboration, a new chapter of RIN-NE will be released each week for English-speaking manga fans to enjoy at the same time as their Japanese peers.

As a child Sakura Mamiya mysteriously disappeared in the woods behind her grandma’s home. She returned whole and healthy, but since then she has had the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! At school, the desk next to Sakura’s has been empty since the start of the school year, then one day her always-absent classmate shows up, and he’s far more than what he seems!

RIN-NE is the first new manga from Takahashi since her epic INUYASHA (published domestically by VIZ Media) ended in 2008 in Japan. Shogakukan’s popular WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY manga magazine has featured Takahashi’s work since the early 1980’s. With over 170 million copies sold in Japan alone, Takahashi’s substantial catalog of work continues to be loved by legions of devoted readers.

“Rumiko Takahashi is an artist without equal and her creative contribution to the manga genre is immeasurable. We’re extremely honored to present her long-awaited new series RIN-NE simultaneously with SHONEN SUNDAY” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media. “Rumiko Takahashi’s talent for creating endearing and memorable characters combined with comedy, love, fantasy, and action shines wonderfully in RIN-NE. Her signature style has come to be known as the ‘Rumic World,’ and it would not be an overstatement to call it a genre all its own. We invite fans across North America to visit her official web site on April 22nd for the English debut of RIN-NE and encourage them to check back regularly for the latest chapters in this groundbreaking series.”

The spotlight on Rumiko Takahashi's career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan’s annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another—Maison Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987, Ranma ½ from 1987 to 1996, and Inuyasha from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, and One-Pound Gospel. Takahashi won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award twice in her career, once for Urusei Yatsura in 1981 and the second time for Inuyasha in 2002. A majority of the Takahashi canon has been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. Takahashi’s manga, as well as the other formats her work has been adapted into, have continued to delight generations of fans around the world. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi’s work adeptly incorporates a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. While her series are difficult to pin down into one simple genre, the signature style she has created has come to be known as the “Rumic World.” Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga.

About VIZ Media, LLC Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

REMINDER ! Don't miss the first chapter of Rumiko Takahashi's new manga - RIN-NE - online NOW at www.TheRumicWorld.Com

(I have attached a copy of the Press Relase that went out last week - in case you missed it)

RIN-NE is the first new manga from Takahashi since her epic INUYASHA (published domestically by VIZ Media) ended in 2008 in Japan.

As a child Sakura Mamiya mysteriously disappeared in the woods behind her grandma’s home. She returned whole and healthy, but since then she has had the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! At school, the desk next to Sakura’s has been empty since the start of the school year, then one day her always-absent classmate shows up, and he’s far more than what he seems!

AND....More news!

NEW RELEASES - INUYASHA comes out in a new VIZBIG edition!VIZ Media will publish Rumiko Takahashi's Inuyasha in a VIZBIG edition, collecting three volumes in one, in the right-to-left reading orientation, in an oversized format on quality paper with select color pages, for $17.99. The first volume will release in November 2009 and subsequent volumes will release quarterly.

Regular volumes of INUYASHA will be released monthly in their original right-to-left reading orientation starting with Volume 38 in July 2009. We have been releasing the series quarterly until now.

FYE And Suncoast Customers Who Purchase $20.00 Of NARUTO Merchandise Will Receive A Special Free NARUTO Shippuden Sampler DVD

San Francisco, CA, April 22, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has launched a special NARUTO Shippuden promotional campaign with Trans World Entertainment, a leading specialty retailer of entertainment software, including music, video and video games and related products. Beginning today Trans World customers who purchase $20.00 worth of NARUTO Shippuden merchandise at any of the company’s more than 500 participating FYE and Suncoast stores will receive a free NARUTO Shippuden Sampler DVD, while supplies last.

The special Sampler DVD features the entire first episode of the new NARUTO Shippuden story arc, along with a video game trailer for Namco Bandai's NARUTO Shippuden Ultimate Ninja 4 and a variety of colorful downloadable NARUTO Shippuden wallpaper designs that allow fans to customize their computer desktops.

“We are very excited to launch this special NARUTO Shippuden promotional campaign with Trans World Entertainment,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “The free-with purchase Sampler disc, which includes the entire first episode of NARUTO Shippuden, is an ideal introduction to the newest story arc. NARUTO has captivated millions in print, on the web, on TV and DVD and its continued international popularity has transformed the property into a true pop culture phenomenon. We invite new and existing fans alike to visit their local FYE or Suncoast store and pick up this fun new Sampler DVD as a free bonus to complement their next NARUTO Shippuden purchase!”

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85 million copies to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for teens, and NARUTO Shippuden rated ‘T+’ for older teens), is one of VIZ Media’s most successful properties and has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America. NARUTO is a co-production of TV TOKYO, VIZ Media parent company Shueisha Inc., and Pierrot Co., Ltd.

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja in training, wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO Shippuden begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks—except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi… well, he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily about becoming a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

Earlier NARUTO Shippuden episodes are currently available for free at www.Naruto.com and through a variety of other web-based, video streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including Joost and Hulu.

More information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.

About Trans World Entertainment

Trans World Entertainment is a leading specialty retailer of entertainment software, including music, video and video games and related products. The Company operates retail stores in the United States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, primarily under the names f.y.e. for your entertainment and Suncoast and on the web at www.fye.com, www.wherehouse.com, www.secondspin.com, www.samgoody.com and www.suncoast.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Visit The Official Rumiko Takahashi English Language Web Site -TheRumicWorld.com

On April 22nd For The Latest Work

From One Of The Greatest Creative Forces In Manga

San Francisco, CA, April 15th, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announces the debut of a new manga series from legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi. The series, titled RIN-NE, will be launching simultaneously April 22nd exclusively in Japan in WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY magazine and online for North American audiences on www.TheRumicWorld.com, the brand new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information. Through this unprecedented collaboration, a new chapter of RIN-NE will be released each week for English-speaking manga fans to enjoy at the same time as their Japanese peers.

As a child Sakura Mamiya mysteriously disappeared in the woods behind her grandma’s home. She returned whole and healthy, but since then she has had the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! At school, the desk next to Sakura’s has been empty since the start of the school year, then one day her always-absent classmate shows up, and he’s far more than what he seems!

RIN-NE is the first new manga from Takahashi since her epic INUYASHA (published domestically by VIZ Media) ended in 2008 in Japan. Shogakukan’s popular WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY manga magazine has featured Takahashi’s work since the early 1980’s. With over 170 million copies sold in Japan alone, Takahashi’s substantial catalog of work continues to be loved by legions of devoted readers.

“Rumiko Takahashi is an artist without equal and her creative contribution to the manga genre is immeasurable. We’re extremely honored to present her long-awaited new series RIN-NE simultaneously with SHONEN SUNDAY” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media. “Rumiko Takahashi’s talent for creating endearing and memorable characters combined with comedy, love, fantasy, and action shines wonderfully in RIN-NE. Her signature style has come to be known as the ‘Rumic World,’ and it would not be an overstatement to call it a genre all its own. We invite fans across North America to visit her official web site on April 22nd for the English debut of RIN-NE and encourage them to check back regularly for the latest chapters in this groundbreaking series.”

The spotlight on Rumiko Takahashi's career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan’s annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another—Maison Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987, Ranma ½ from 1987 to 1996, and Inuyasha from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, and One-Pound Gospel. Takahashi won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award twice in her career, once for Urusei Yatsura in 1981 and the second time for Inuyasha in 2002. A majority of the Takahashi canon has been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. Takahashi’s manga, as well as the other formats her work has been adapted into, have continued to delight generations of fans around the world. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi’s work adeptly incorporates a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. While her series are difficult to pin down into one simple genre, the signature style she has created has come to be known as the “Rumic World.” Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

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Monday, April 13, 2009

Innovative Online Video Streaming Services To Now Carry English Dubbed Uncut Episodes in North America

San Francisco, CA, April 13, 2009 — VIZ Media, LLC., one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies has announced the availability of English dubbed uncut episodes of NARUTO anime on Joost.com and Hulu.com beginning on April 15th. Joost and Hulu are both online video services that offer hit TV shows, movies and clips — all for free. The first five episodes of NARUTO (English dubbed) will launch on April 15th with a new English dubbed episode launching every Wednesday thereafter. Each episode will stream on both Joost (US and Canada) and Hulu (US) for approximately 5 weeks then rotate off the site making room for the next new episodes.

Joost is a global service with more than 48,000 program elements from more than 300 content partners, including more than 400 television series, 1,200 movie and short film titles and 15,000 music videos. Hulu has more than 41,000 video assets from more than 140 content partners and offers nearly 1,300 show and movie titles, including 300 full-length feature films and 550 television series, with hundreds of videos added to the service each week. NARUTO subtitled versions launched on both Joost and Hulu in September 2008.

The launch of the NARUTO English dubbed episodes is the latest expansion of VIZ Media’s ongoing plan to make available a variety of hit animated series through some of the most innovative web-based, video streaming outlets. Joost and Hulu both provide convenient 24/7 accessibility and offer users the freedom to legally share full-length episodes or clips via e-mail or embed them on other web sites, blogs and social networking pages.

NARUTO has emerged as one of the world's most popular Japanese animated series, attracting millions of devoted viewers with a blend of stylish animation, multi-faceted characters and riveting story lines. This animation is based on the popular manga series and enjoys tremendous international popularity. In North America, NARUTO (rated TV-14) has become the hottest animated series and is one of VIZ Media’s most successful manga and animated properties in terms of sales.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO depicts the adventures of a young boy named Uzumaki Naruto who trains to become a ninja. The boy is cursed with the spirit of a nine-tailed fox demon and is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. Naruto is resilient and undaunted in his quest to become a master ninja and his determination often inspires those around him. Through amazing adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right vs. wrong. Dedicated website at www.naruto.com.

“We’re very excited to launch uncut dubbed NARUTO episodes on both Joost and Hulu and offer fans the opportunity to watch their favorite ninja online for free anytime,” says Ken Sasaki, Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “The availability of these episodes, uncut and featuring a very talented English voice cast, will undoubtedly help grow the online audience for NARUTO and also attract many new viewers. Joost and Hulu both offer dedicated anime channels with a variety of VIZ Media offerings, and we invite fans to visit each Wednesday for a fun new adventure featuring the world’s most popular ninja!”

For more information on NARUTO and to view free episodes of NARUTO Shippuden animation (English Subtitled) please visit www.Naruto.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

San Francisco, CA, April 9, 2006 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announced today that four of their manga titles have been nominated in several categories for the 2009 Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards, as unveiled by Comic-Con International on April 7, 2009.

Named for pioneering writer and comic artist Will Eisner, the awards recognize exemplary comics, graphic novels and other pop writings, and are given each year as part of the annual Comic-Con International convention. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on the evening of Friday July 24th during Comic-Con, at which VIZ Media will be a major exhibitor and participant in the programs offered. VIZ Media took home the 2008 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material – Japan for its release TEKKONKINKREET: BLACK & WHITE, by acclaimed creator Taiyo Matsumoto.

The nominated titles from VIZ Media are:

CAT EYED BOY, by Kazuo Umezu• Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Japan

COWA!, by Akira Toriyama• Best Publication for Kids

NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER, by Naoki Urasawa• Best Continuing Series• Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Japan

SOLANIN, by Inio Asano• Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Japan

“We are absolutely thrilled that some of the more sophisticated titles from our VIZ Signature imprint have been recognized as well as the recent hit title for young readers -COWA!,” states Elizabeth Kawasaki, Sr. Editorial Director, VIZ Media. "These awards recognize excellence in the comics industry, and we are honored to be considered among such a diverse group of nominees.”

CAT EYED BOY • by Kazuo Umezu • VIZ Signature • Rated “T+” for Older Teens CAT EYED BOY is a chilling concoction of dark vignettes dripping with the macabre, the grotesque and the absurd. Cat Eyed Boy is a half-human, half-monster child whose mostly human appearance bans him from the demon world. He lives hidden in the shadows of the human world, hated by humans and demons alike. Wherever he goes, awful events occur as the humans and demons interact. In 11 stories of revenge and retribution full of disturbing images, Cat Eyed Boy acts as a trickster, saving the innocent and helping the wicked receive the punishment that fate metes out. CAT EYED BOY was created by Kazuo Umezu, the undisputed master of Japanese horror manga and creator of the critically acclaimed THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM (also published by VIZ Media).

COWA! • by Akira Toriyama • SHONEN JUMP • Rated “A” for All Ages COWA!, is a spooktacular manga for kids! Paifu, a half-vampire half-werekoala, is always getting into trouble with his best buddy, José the ghost. But when the Monster Flu sweeps through town, the fun and games are over. If the monsters don't get the medicine soon, everyone will die! With all the adults sick, it's up to the kids to save the day! Akira Toriyama is also the creator of the much-beloved DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z (also published by VIZ Media under the SHONEN JUMP imprint).

NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER • by Naoki Urasawa • VIZ Signature • Rated “T+” for Older Teens (NOMINATED IN TWO CATEGORIES)The award-winning NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER weaves the riveting story of brilliant Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a famous surgeon with a promising career at a leading hospital. Tenma risks his reputation and promising career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy. Unbeknownst to him, this child is destined for a terrible fate. A string of strange and mysterious murders begin to occur soon afterward, ones that professionally benefit Dr. Tenma, and he emerges as the primary suspect. Conspiracies, serial murders, and a scathing depiction of the underbelly of hospital politics are all masterfully woven together in this compelling manga thriller. VIZ Media has recently started releasing the first volumes of Naoki Urasawa’s two newest series, NAOKI URASAWA’S 20TH CENTURY BOYS and PLUTO: URASAWA X TEZUKA.

SOLANIN • by Inio Asano • VIZ Signature • Rated “T+” for Older Teens Critically acclaimed SOLANIN tells the story of Meiko Inoue, a recent college grad working as an office lady in a job she hates. Her boyfriend Naruo is permanently crashing at her apartment because his job as a freelance illustrator doesn't pay enough for rent. And her parents in the country keep sending her boxes of veggies that just rot in her fridge. Straddling the line between her years as a student and the rest of her life, Meiko struggles with the feeling that she's just not cut out to be a part of the real world. In addition to SOLANIN, VIZ Media will also be releasing Inio Asano’s two-volume WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD! later this year.

About VIZ Media, LLC Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. .Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.